Max Verstappen's Five Greatest F1 Victories at 28

Max Verstappen has once again captivated the F1 paddock with back-to-back victories in the challenging RB21. As the Dutchman turns 28, RacingNews365 looks back at five of his most extraordinary wins, showcasing the defining moments of a career that has already redefined modern excellence in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's career has been nothing short of phenomenal, marked by a stunning 67 victories from 226 starts and a win percentage surpassing even Lewis Hamilton's. As he celebrates his 28th birthday, reflecting on his most iconic drives highlights his unique blend of aggressive racecraft, strategic brilliance, and unparalleled consistency that has cemented his legacy as one of F1's all-time greats.

The Details:

• 2021 United States Grand Prix: The Championship-Defining Duel
  • This victory was a strategic chess match against title rival Lewis Hamilton, marked by an aggressive undercut strategy and exceptional tire management in the closing laps. Verstappen held off Hamilton's relentless charge, winning by 1.333 seconds, a pivotal moment in his first championship season.
• 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix: Masterpiece from 17th
  • Starting from 17th due to engine penalties, Verstappen delivered a spectacular drive in treacherous, rain-affected conditions. Navigating multiple interruptions and a red flag, he methodically climbed through the field to claim a dominant victory by 19.477 seconds, showcasing his prowess as a wet-weather specialist.
• 2022 Belgian Grand Prix: The Comeback King Strikes Again
  • Beginning from 14th due to engine penalties, Verstappen demonstrated remarkable racecraft at Spa-Francorchamps. He systematically picked off competitors, taking the lead by Lap 12 and ultimately securing victory by 17.841 seconds over teammate Sergio Perez, extending his championship lead significantly.
• 2025 Japanese Grand Prix: Defensive Masterclass Under Pressure
  • This win marked Verstappen's first victory of the 2025 season and a crucial turning point against McLaren's early dominance. After a tight qualifying and a perfect start, he executed flawless tire management under sustained pressure, holding off both McLaren drivers to win by 1.4 seconds.
• 2016 Spanish Grand Prix: The Day Everything Changed
  • At just 18 years old, Verstappen became F1's youngest-ever race winner in his debut for Red Bull. Capitalizing on a collision between Mercedes rivals, he executed a masterful strategic drive, expertly managing his tires for over 20 laps to fend off Kimi Raikkonen by just 0.616 seconds, a historic maiden triumph.

The Big Picture:

Verstappen's career trajectory has been extraordinary, evolving from a teenage prodigy to a four-time world champion. His 67 victories place him fourth on the all-time wins list, and his consistent performance, particularly in challenging conditions or from disadvantaged grid positions, underlines a rare talent. These victories highlight not just raw speed, but also strategic intelligence, defensive skill, and unwavering composure under pressure.

What's Next:

As Verstappen enters his 28th year, his legacy is already secure, but his journey continues. Despite a challenging 2025 season where he currently sits third in the drivers' championship, he has clawed his way back into title contention with four wins in 17 rounds. With more races ahead, Verstappen will undoubtedly seek to add to his win tally and further solidify his position as one of Formula 1's all-time greats.